Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
It took until Day 2 of NFL free agency for the Atlanta Falcons to make any significant moves. They signed defensive end Leonard Floyd from the San Francisco 49ers, linebacker Divine Deablo from the Las Vegas Raiders, and re-signed cornerback Mike Hughes.
What they haven’t done, however, is address the glaring issues created by their early free-agent losses. On Day 1, the Falcons watched two key pieces—defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and center Drew Dalman—leave for the Chicago Bears.
Atlanta’s approach to free agency has been largely dictated by financial constraints following the massive contract given to quarterback Kirk Cousins. With limited spending power, the Falcons have resorted to bargain shopping, which is why they couldn’t afford to bring back either Jarrett or Dalman.
While Jarrett’s departure is a blow, the Falcons have at least some depth along the defensive line to try and compensate. Dalman, however, leaves a much bigger void. The 25-year-old was widely regarded as one of the better centers in the NFL, and his absence creates a major concern in the middle of Atlanta’s offensive line.
The Falcons now have two primary options at center—turn to last year’s backup Ryan Neuzil, who appeared in 10 games in 2024, or pursue outside help. One potential option is Green Bay Packers free agent Josh Myers, whom SB Nation predicts as a possible “Plan B” after missing out on re-signing Dalman.
Myers played all 18 games for the Packers last season, logging 1,006 snaps while allowing just one sack, five QB hits, and 63 total pressures. Pro Football Focus graded him as an average pass blocker with a 63.4 grade but gave him a disappointing 55.3 overall. By comparison, Neuzil posted a slightly higher 65.6 pass-blocking grade and a 58.5 overall.
At 26 years old, Myers carries a market value of $7.7 million annually (per Spotrac), which should fit within the Falcons’ budget. However, there’s an added risk—his last appearance came in Green Bay’s playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he suffered a leg injury that required him to be carted off the field. Fortunately, reports confirmed that he avoided any broken bones or ligament damage.
With the free-agent market thinning out and the Falcons in need of an answer at center, the question remains—will they roll with Neuzil or take a chance on Myers?